UNDP in South Sudan

Third Governs’ Forum adopts key recommendations on service delivery for local development in South Sudan

30 Nov 2013

H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President, Republic of South Sudan speaking at the inauguration of the Third Governors' Forum

Juba: Inaugurated by the President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit and facilitated by the Vice President, H.E. James Wani Igga the Third Governors’ Forum was held from 26 to 29 November 2013 . Held under the theme ‘Transparent and Accountable Service Delivery for Local Development’, the ten state governors or their representatives, national ministers and heads of commissions re-affirmed their commitment to statebuilding and set out a concrete action plan for achieving transparency and accountability in service delivery.

The forum concluded with resolutions and recommendations on governance and accountability, economic development, social and human development, conflict prevention and security, and access to justice and rule of law. The forum noted that, despite setbacks due to economic austerity, remarkable progress has been made on fighting poverty, improving health, and maintaining security and political stability across the country.

Noting the importance of political stability to enhance local development, Vice President James Wani Igga called upon the governors to unify structures and create lean and workable governments. He stressed: “Political stability across the country is our collective responsibility.”

Speaking on behalf of governors, Hon. Rizik Zakaria Hassan, Governor, Western Bahr el Ghazal stated: “For us the governors, we are really very proud of this Forum which we consider the rightful place for us to get together with our national leaders, so that we share common challenges and interests, and also to draw the way forward”.

Addressing the closing session on behalf of Mr. Toby Lanzer, Deputy-Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations and Resident Representative of UNDP South Sudan, Ms. Amanda Serumaga, Deputy Country Director, UNDP South Sudan, highlighted the importance of discussions and dialogue during the Forum. The President’s declaration of “War on Poverty” continues to be relevant today as it was last year. Noting that “Austerity hampered your ability to plan for the delivery of services – access to justice, education and food security, among others – to your communities. And yet, we also heard stories of resilience and of achievement.” She reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to the Government and to the people of South Sudan: “We will continue to listen and support your offices through the ten states. And we will continue to listen and support your state institutions in responding to immediate needs, strengthening the resilience of communities, and in building the capacity of key line ministries”.

Since its establishment in 2006, the Governors’ Forum has evolved into a pivotal platform to engender dialogue between national and state levels by bringing together key political actors together to discuss key development in South Sudan. Held 11 times since 2006, the Third Governors’ Forum marks the third time that key stakeholders met as an independent nation under the interim constitution. Organized by the Office of the President, with support from the United Nations Development Programme, the Forum not only provides a platform for discussion and action on policies related to political, fiscal and administrative governance issues but also a space for broader discussion on important issues such as accountability, transparency and statebuilding concerns at the local level.

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 177 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and on our wide range of partners.